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A wire fence makes a good trellis in itself, but in a sunny location it may sometimes get too hot for the delicate tendrils of climbing plants. Even if heat is not an issue, chain-link and welded-wire are not the most attractive things to look at in the landscape. Attaching a wooden or plastic trellis in front of or above the wire fence will improve its appearance and still give you a sturdy place to grow vegetables or flowers.

Adding Trellising in Front of a Wire Fence

1

Remove any old vines or vegetation from the wire fence and the ground immediately below it in the area you have chosen to put up your trellis.

2

Prop a wooden trellis against the chosen section of fence. Place it a few inches off the ground, temporarily using bricks, blocks of wood or similar objects to hold it in position until you secure the trellis to the fence. It is important to elevate a wooden trellis so it does not come into contact with moist ground where it may rot. A plastic trellis can sit directly on the soil.

3

Fasten the trellis to the wire fence with zip ties at each corner and in several other places across the body of the trellis to ensure a secure connection to the existing wire fence. Alternatively, use wire to fasten the trellis to the fence, however for durability, use stainless steel, coated or galvanized wire rather than ordinary steel wire.

4

Plant flowers and vines at the base and enjoy the beauty of your new trellis.

Adding Trellising Above a Low Wire Fence

1

Use a fence post driver or sledge hammer to pound two 8-foot tall metal t-posts into the ground directly in front of a low wire fence, 8 feet apart. Alternatively, use similar lengths of bamboo, saplings or pipe as posts.

2

Fasten the posts to the fence with nylon zip ties or wire in several places to secure them firmly in place against the fence.

3

Add a 4-by-8-foot sheet of wood or plastic trellising in front of the existing wire fence at ground level using zip ties or wire to secure it to the posts. Position a second sheet of trellising above the lower section and fasten it to the new posts with zip ties or wire, ending up with an 8-by-8-foot expanse of trellising mounted against your existing wire fence.

4

Plant flowers or vegetables at the base of the posts and train them up and across the trellis as they grow. As the plants fill in, they will cover the posts and disguise the wire fence behind the new trellising.

Things You Will Need

Trellis, wood or plastic

Bricks, wood blocks, or similar prop

Nylon zip ties

Fence post driver or sledge hammer

Two metal t-posts 8-feet long, or bamboo, saplings or pipe of similar length

Tip

A row of arch or fan-shaped trellises – with the slender bases resting on a pavers or bricks – makes a pretty display when covered in attractive flowering vines. You can also turn 4-by 8-foot sheets of wooden or plastic trellis on end to extend above a low fence and give additional growing space to high climbing vines.